×
Menu
Search
Home
Blog
Discrimination
Military and Veterans Now Protected Status Under FEHA
Military and Veterans Now Protected Status Under FEHA

Military and Veterans Now Protected Status Under FEHA

Starting in 2014, California’s employment discrimination law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), will cover two new classes of protected characteristics. Beginning in January, military and veteran status will now be protected the same way as race, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

The change will define the status as “a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, the United States National Guard, and the California National Guard.”

Unlike other characteristics, however, the law will permit employers an exemption to inquire about someone’s current or former military status for the purpose of awarding a veteran’s preference as permitted by law.

Members of the military were not previously without protections, however. Under California Military and Veterans Code § 394 current members of the military can pursue claims for discrimination in state court, and under the federal USERRA, current and former members of the military, are protected from discrimination and retaliation in federal court. The new changes harmonize these laws, and allow both current and former California service members to stay in state court.

The bill is called AB 556 and can be found here.

SHARE ON
facebook twitter instagram

Recent Posts

Call Us!

DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION

415-551-0885

Our Team

Our Awards

CONTACT US TODAY

If you are looking for advice or representation, please contact us today using the form below and we will promptly respond to your inquiry.

Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.

NUVEW | Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | Privacy Statement

×